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WTF is up with libraries?
SavannahLion:
So, OK. I'm not exactly a stranger to the public libraries around here. Over the course of 29 years, I must've registered at at least a dozen different libraries in different cities. Even as a kid, it was extraordinarily easy to obtain a library card so I could check books out. Wasn't hard, name, address, etc. Nothing difficult about it. Even when libraries started asking for ID, it wasn't a problem. I've had the same P.O. box for almost 25 years and the same one on my license for 11 years. No library ever balked at me having a P.O. box address.
Until today.
So on my lunch break, I walk over to the city public library and ask for a library card. They ask for ID. OK, no problem. They ask if that's a current address. It is one of the addresses I own, yes. Then they want proof of a physical address. Like an insurance card (P.O. box) or a bill (different P.O. box).
What happens next blows my mind. The ---smurf--- tells me I have to come back tomorrow with proof of a physical address then blows me off.
WHAT?!
Is that what libraries reduced themselves to? ---smurfing--- police?
The ---smurfing--- libraries are hemorrhaging money and losing patrons every year. You would think they would make it a little easier to apply for and obtain a ---smurfing--- library card at least. Gotta give Big Brother some kind of ---smurfing--- leads.
What the ---fudgesicle--- happened? When did libraries start being prissy about ---smurfing--- physical addresses? It's no ---smurfing--- wonder places like Amazon are making insane amounts of dough, especially if libraries are turning patrons away like that.
ChadTower:
When they stopped giving materials away for free to any guy who felt like coming in with a made up address and no intention of returning the materials?
zaphod:
Was that way here when I got my first library card 20+ years ago and don't think it was a new procedure at that point. They want to make sure you are in the district. Just covering their butts.
Apollo:
I'm not sure why you think this is such a big deal. If there weren't arseholes in the world that steal library books, park in handicapped parks (when they aren't handicapped), shoplift, drive drunk etc etc we wouldn't need so many rules and regulations. Look to your fellow man for the answer not to the poor library who are simply trying to survive in an era of low library use and selfish ---smurfs--- that steal books.
Dartful Dodger:
I pay my property taxes. Part of it goes to upkeep the quality of the local library.
I don't want some vagrant with a PO box stealing/abusing equipment I'm paying for.
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